City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Forensic Technical Leader - Chemistry/Toxicology

Under general direction, this position oversees and maintains the quality assurance system of the Forensic Bureau for one of the following disciplines: (a) Seized Drug Analysis/Chemistry or (b) Toxicology. The Technical Leader provides scientifically defensible technical guidance to the unit, is proficient in and performs chemical and physical analysis and examinations of evidence, in accordance with current forensic best practices. 

1. Processes crime scenes; and ensures proper collection, preservation, and documentation of evidence, including hazardous evidence.
2. Analyzes evidence by employing forensic testing methods.
3. Interprets analytical and instrumental test results, writes detailed reports of analysis.
4. Oversees the technical operations for the section.
5. Establishes, reviews, and interprets standard operating practice, policy, and procedure and provides input regarding laboratory’s needs, long range goals, and plans.
6. Ensures section conformity to international forensic accreditation standards, Texas Forensic Science Commission interpretations, and scientific working group recommendations.
7. Acts as primary quality assurance liaison for the section (Investigates quality incidents and reviews documentation).
8. Develops validation and validation plans of new instruments, equipment, and methods.
9. Is responsible for the section training program, overseeing the training of personnel, and recommending personnel for casework.
10. Is responsible for writing section technical and training policies.
11. Is responsible for ensuring the quality of all reference materials and reference standard collections in the section. This includes metrological traceability, verifications, and audits.
12. Evaluates and documents vendor qualifications.

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. Responsible for the daily technical operations of the section including training and technical evaluation of staff, making recommendations regarding suitability for essential job duties, and equipment operation.

• Knowledge of the principles of forensic chemistry/toxicology analysis.
• Knowledge of appropriate laboratory equipment, scientific instrumentation, and physical examinations as applied to the laws governing criminal investigations.
• Knowledge of ethics; City practices, policies, procedures, statutes, ordinances; and criminal law.
• Knowledge of mathematics and statistics including differential and integral calculus.
• Knowledge of metrology
• Knowledge of forensic method validation best practices.
• Knowledge of safe lab practices including handling and transport of hazardous chemicals.
• Knowledge of criminal court proceedings.
• Knowledge of proper handling techniques for forensic evidence.
• Knowledge of recommendations from national and regional scientific working groups.
• Knowledge of forensic accreditation standards such as ISO 17025:2017 and AR3125 and Texas Forensic licensing standards.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and equipment maintenance practices.
• Knowledge of federal, state, or local applicable laws.
• Knowledge of hardware and software of Forensic Lab Information Management Systems.
• Skill in establishing and improving practices, policies, and procedures; and safety and training manuals for the section.
• Skill in using laboratory instruments (e.g. gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer) and scientific equipment.
• Skill in performing routine maintenance on lab instruments.
• Skill in technical writing.
• Skill in research, data analysis, report writing, technical trouble shooting, and problem solving.
• Skill in maintaining clear, accurate, and comprehensive lab records
• Skill in presenting scientific findings in a court of law and serving as an expert witness.
• Ability to obtain, interpret, and present results of examination and analysis.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to effectively train others.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to effectively develop, review, and/or critique validation test plans, validation reports, experimental/analytical data, and associated standard operating procedures for technical defensibility and adherence to quality standards.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to laypersons and customers.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment and collaborate well with others.
• Ability to be precise and meticulous with time sensitive processes.
• Ability to stay abreast of changing laws, policies, and discipline-specific trends.

Requirements for Seized Drug Analysis/Chemistry Discipline:

• Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; or forensic science that includes a minimum of sixteen (16) semester credit hours, or equivalent, in college-level chemistry coursework above general chemistry coursework.
• Five (5) years of experience performing casework related to seized drugs or toxicology in an accredited forensic laboratory with satisfactory completion of at least two (2) years of proficiency tests.
• Graduation with a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in the discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Requirement for Toxicology Discipline:

• Graduation with at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in chemical, physical, or biological science; chemical engineering; or forensic science that includes a minimum of sixteen (16) semester credit hours, or equivalent, in college-level chemistry coursework above general chemistry coursework that includes at least one (1) three-semester credit hour course, or equivalent, in all of the following:
  • organic chemistry,
  • college-level analytical chemistry (e.g. Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Informatics, Instrumental Analysis, Mass Spectrometry, Quantitative Analysis, Separation Science, or Spectroscopic Analysis),
  • interpretive science (e.g. Biochemistry, Drug Metabolism, Forensic Toxicology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or Toxicology).
• Five (5) years of experience performing casework related to seized drugs or toxicology in an accredited forensic laboratory with satisfactory completion of at least two (2) years of proficiency tests.
• Graduation with a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in the discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Texas Forensic Science Commission Forensic Analyst License (per 37 Tex. Admin. code Chapter 651 to add Subchapter C) must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Based on the position being filled, the following skills or certifications may be required: American Board of Forensic Toxicology Certification, International Association for Chemical Testing Certification, or equivalent certification.